Castlemaine, Maldon & Surrounds

Castlemaine boasts a remarkable community of artists, writers, actors and designers, who offer a host of galleries, theatres, festivals, bookshops and boutiques. It’s a theme that runs through nearby Maldon, Newstead and Harcourt.

Maryborough & Surrounds

Rich in history and opportunity... today’s visitors come to Maryborough and the surrounding villages for many reasons. Many come to wander through the lovely box-ironbark forests with their wildflowers, birds and superb display of Wattle in the spring. Others come to research family history and discover a connection to the Victorian gold rush, or to visit nearby wineries or explore markets, galleries and museums.

Loddon Valley

Take a deep breath… and travel along the meandering roads of the Loddon Valley. They start at untouched historic villages, weave their way up to spectacular views on granite strewn hilltops, through ancient forests, and then alongside wide flowing rivers and vast wetlands.

Bendigo Art Gallery

One of Australia's oldest and largest regional galleries presenting innovative exhibitions alongside a dynamic and varied suite of public programs and events. Our collection is extensive, with an emphasis on 19th century European art and Australian art from the 1800's, alongside a strong collection of contemporary Australian art.

Heathcote

Throughout the year, find fabulous festivals and events offering the perfect chance to meet the friendly residents, taste the great local produce and see why Heathcote is one of the best, and most beautiful, places in the world.

150th Bendigo Easter Fair - Cancelled

150th Bendigo Easter Fair - Cancelled

Overview

The 150th Bendigo Easter Fair has been cancelled because of the coronavirus outbreak.

The decision follows today’s recommendation from Australia’s Chief Medical Officer that all non-essential mass gatherings over 500 people should be cancelled from Monday to limit the spread of the virus.

We plan to pull out all the stops next year and celebrate 150 years in 2021. Can’t wait to see you all then!

For 2021!

The 150th Bendigo Easter Fair promises to be filled with fun and entertainment for the whole family. Commencing in 1871, the Bendigo Easter Fair is Australia’s oldest ongoing community event, which will celebrate its 150th anniversary in 2020. To recognise the significance of the 150th anniversary, it is only fitting that the celebrations be extended to a one-off four day program in 2021.

The 150th Bendigo Easter Fair is not to be missed. Over the four-day Easter long weekend, Bendigo’s beautiful Rosalind Park and surrounding streets will be transformed into a vibrant precinct bursting with family-friendly entertainment. Live stage shows, hands-on activities, carnival rides, live music, roving performers and more!

Be in the hunt for over 170,000 Easter eggs on Good Friday and Easter Saturday at Vision Australia Easter Egg Hunt, and enjoy loads of fun family friendly activities and great entertainment at Rosalind Park.

Dance, drums, Lion Teams and 100,000 crackers are all part of the Chinese Spring Festival and Awakening of the Dragon as Bendigo celebrates its Chinese heritage in the Dai Gum San Precinct. As the sun sets, find your place along the road to cheer on the convoy of illuminated floats in the Fosterville Gold Torchlight Procession, concluding with a spectacular fireworks display over the city.

Join thousands as the line the streets on Easter Monday to watch the gorgeous display of colour in the Bendigo Advertiser Gala Parade. Experience the excitement as Dai Gum Loong, the world’s longest golden dragon, weaves his way through the historic streetscapes of Bendigo.

To celebrate this huge occasion, there will be over 100 events over the four day weekend and some of your favourite events might have changed their time and date. Please make sure you plan this year's visit with the latest information.

And to mark the 150th anniversary, the Bendigo Easter Fair society is bringing you extra events, including light projection of the Easter History, Teddy Bears Picnic, the Cavalcade Transport and more.

History of Bendigo Easter Festival

The first Bendigo Easter Fair, as it was known then, was held in 1871 by Messrs. Aspinal and Burnside to raise funds for the Sandhurst Benevolent Asylum and Hospital raising over £1000 for this charitable cause. The fair was considered such a success that it has been held every year since, making it Australia's longest ongoing community festival!